Taoiseach will launch Ireland’s election campaign for seat on UN Security Council for 2021-2022

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste will officially launch Ireland’s election campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term on 02 July.

Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney are in New York to take part in a series of UN events, culminating in the launch of the bid.

The United Nations Security Council, one of the six main organs of the UN, has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The Security Council consists of five permanent members (China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years.

Ireland is competing with Canada and Norway for one of two seats available.

“We will have a tough campaign on our hands over the next two years and we certainly don’t underestimate our competition, but I am confident that by putting our full support behind the campaign and by emphasising Ireland’s unique strengths and track record, we can succeed.”

-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

Ireland has sought election to the Security Council at roughly 20-year intervals and has been elected to the Council on three previous occasions for the terms: 1961 (half-term), 1981-82 and 2001-2002.

A two-thirds majority of 193 Member States (or 129 votes) is required for election to the UN Security Council.

Launch

On Monday evening, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste will officially launch Ireland’s campaign at UN headquarters with a special event celebrating Irish food, music, heritage and culture.

The launch will be supported by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and U2’s Bono. Over 400 UN diplomats and other guests have been invited to attend the reception on the UN’s North Lawn, beside the ‘Arrival’ sculpture, by Irish artist John Behan, which was gifted to the UN by Ireland in 2000.

Simon Coveney said:

“We are looking to serve on the UN Security Council over 2021-22 because we believe in a strong UN and we want to be at the centre of it, advocating for our core values. We have unique perspectives to bring based on our experiences in areas like peacekeeping, conflict resolution and international development. And ‘Global Ireland’ is about more than just advancing our prosperity – it is also about promoting our values and making this a safer, more secure and more sustainable world.”

UN Peacekeeping

According to Ireland at the United Nations, nearly 45,000 Irish men and women have served overseas on peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years.

On Monday 02 July, the Taoiseach will participate in a ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Ireland’s participation on UN peacekeeping operations, and pay tribute to the 88 members of the Defence Forces who lost their lives while on UN service.

The Taoiseach said:

“Winning a seat on the UN Security Council would place Ireland at the heart of UN decision-making on international peace, security and development. It would also continue Ireland’s proud tradition of international engagement dating back to our admission to the UN in 1955.”

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